Video Game Gazette
In the mid-80s the arcades were dominated by action hits like Double Dragon and Ikari Warriors. In comparison to the previous generation of games, such as Kung Fu Master and Space Invaders, their graphics were incredible. However, they all paled in comparison to the cartoon quality graphics of LaserDisc games. The first such game was Dragon’s Lair. I remember the first time I saw it in an arcade. It was so cool. It was just like watching a cartoon. I simply had to play it. Man was I disappointed. Mashing buttons did not work. I hadn’t a clue as to how to control the action. Needless to say, the hero, Dirk, suffered a horrific death. Sadly, the learning curve on the controls turned many people away from LaserDisc games. Although several more games were released, the LaserDisc revolution of the 80s never came to pass. The games were so ahead of their time, they were first released on home systems in the 90s, and they still looked better than most games.
Dragon’s Lair tells the story of Dirk the Daring and his quest to rescue the beautiful, and scantily clad, Princess Daphne from the clutches of evil dragon Singe. You need to navigate the castle’s many traps, and defeat its denizens, like Fire Drakes and Mordroc, to succeed in your quest. The game offers non-stop action and absolutely stunning graphics. More than twenty years later, the graphics are still awe inspiring, and aren’t the least bit dated.
Like many sleeper hits, Dragon’s Lair developed a cult following. Several sequels were produced. They are all just as good as the original. In 2002 a series of action figures were created.
If you have never played Dragon’s Lair pick up a copy. Expect to spend some time mastering the controls. Playing at home has its advantages and disadvantages. You don’t lose your allowance with a couple of badly timed moves. However, you cannot learn the ropes by watching people who know how to play. Timing is everything. Once you have caught on to the timing, a great game awaits you. Best of all, once you have learned the controls, you can play the other great games like Space Ace and Braindead 13.
